Kirsten Fisch
Co-Founder at - Momentum Health NetworkKirsten Fisch, MSN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC, LCCE Kirsten is a women's health nurse who specializes in high-risk pregnancy and postpartum care. She is certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing, a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), and a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. She works with women from conception through the postpartum period. Passionate about empowering women throughout their reproductive journeys, Kirsten combines evidence-based care with compassionate support to promote the health and well-being of mothers and babies.
“I can’t take Motrin anymore, it can mess with your fertility,” my nursing colleague said casually one morning during shift change.
I paused mid-sip of my coffee. Wait, what? I’d never heard that before. As nurses, we share a wealth of clinical knowledge, but this one caught me off guard. Motrin, also known as ibuprofen, is something we’ve all taken or recommended at some point. I knew it could affect the stomach lining or kidneys if overused, but infertility?
Curious (and a bit concerned), I decided to look into it myself.
What Is Motrin and How Does It Work?
Motrin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), commonly used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. It works by blocking enzymes called COX-1 and COX-2, which are involved in the production of prostaglandins—hormone-like substances that trigger pain and inflammation.
What’s the Link Between Motrin and Fertility?
Turns out, there’s some evidence that NSAIDs may interfere with ovulation, especially when taken frequently or over a prolonged period.
One study found that short-term use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen can delay or prevent the release of an egg (ovulation) in some women. This is due to the suppression of prostaglandins, which play a key role in the follicle rupture necessary for ovulation.
The researchers observed that women who took NSAIDs just before ovulation showed a marked decrease in ovulatory activity, which reversed once the medication was stopped. This could be particularly relevant for women trying to conceive (TTC), especially if they’re unknowingly using ibuprofen for period pain or other chronic discomforts during the follicular phase of their cycle.
What About Occasional Use?
It’s important to note that occasional use of Motrin is unlikely to have a significant impact on fertility for most people. The concern mainly applies to:
- Chronic use
- Use around ovulation
- Women with unexplained infertility
Still, if you’re actively trying to conceive, it might be wise to reach for acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead of ibuprofen when managing pain, just to be safe.
What to Do If You’re Trying to Conceive
If you’re currently TTC or thinking about it, here are a few tips:
- Track your cycle: Know when you’re ovulating and be cautious about NSAID use during that window.
- Talk to your doctor or OB-GYN: If you’re using NSAIDs for chronic pain, ask about safer alternatives.
- Limit long-term use: Use ibuprofen for short-term relief only and avoid over-the-counter use without consulting a healthcare professional.
Final Thoughts
I’m grateful my colleague mentioned this because it made me more aware of something I’d never even thought to question. As nurses and as women, we must stay curious, ask questions, and always look a little deeper.
Have you heard of this before? Let me know in the comments.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication or fertility plan.
Kirsten Fisch, MSN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC, LCCE Kirsten is a women's health nurse who specializes in high-risk pregnancy and postpartum care. She is certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing, a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), and a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. She works with women from conception through the postpartum period. Passionate about empowering women throughout their reproductive journeys, Kirsten combines evidence-based care with compassionate support to promote the health and well-being of mothers and babies.
